Crawford Notch State Park: Ripley and Arethusa Falls

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Trail Overview

A popular network of trails showcasing three waterfalls in Crawford Notch, a short hike from Route 302.
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Trail Activity
Hiking Snowshoeing
Length
4.50 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate
Towns
Hart's Location (NH), Lincoln (NH)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No
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Description

Arethusa Falls Trail: One of the most popular hikes in Crawford Notch State Park, the Arethusa Falls Trail is a moderate 3-mile hike out and back to Arethusa Falls. Beginning from the Arethusa Falls Trailhead off US-302, the trail climbs 1.5 miles steadily up to Arethusa Falls. Along the way, hikers can opt to follow the Bemis Brook Trail beginning 0.25 miles from trailhead, which parallels the Arethusa Falls Trail for 0.4 miles and passes by Bemis Brook Falls before rejoining the Arethusa Falls Trail.

Arethusa - Ripley Falls Trail: With opportunities to visit Ripley Falls, Arethusa Falls, and Frankenstein Cliffs, the Arethusa - Ripley Falls Trail connects hikers with many special destinations. Beginning from the Ethan Pond - Ripley Falls Trailhead, the trail climbs 0.5 miles steadily to Ripley Falls. For hikers continuing onward, the trail climbs another 1 mile to the junction with the Frankenstein Cliff Trail. Hikers can either turn left for Frankenstein Cliff 0.7 miles further, or continue on the Arethusa - Ripley Falls Trail 1.2 miles gently downhill to Arethusa Falls.

Other Information

Before you hike, know the hiker responsibility code and be prepared:

  • With knowledge and gear
  • To leave your plans
  • To stay together
  • To turn back
  • For emergencies
  • To share the hiker code with others.

Visit the hikeSafe website to learn more!

Trail Manager

These trails are managed jointly by NH State Parks and the White Mountain National Forest and maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club. For more information, contact:

Appalachian Mountain Club
P.O. Box 298
361 Route 16
Gorham, NH 03581
Phone: 603-466-2721
AMCinformation@outdoors.org
View website
White Mountain National Forest: Saco Ranger District
33 Kancamagus Highway
Conway, NH 03818
Phone: (603) 447-5448 x 0
View website
New Hampshire State Parks
New Hampshire State Parks
172 Pembroke Road
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-3556
nhparks@dncr.nh.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Travel on Durable Surfaces
Stick to established trails. If there's no trail, try to walk on rock, gravel, or snow and spread out so that your group doesn't create a trail.

Trailhead Information

Arethusa Falls Trailhead: From Interstate 95, take Exit 35 for US-3 N, just north of Franconia Notch. Take US-3 10.4 miles to Twin Mountain, then turn right to head East on US-302 towards Crawford Notch. Continue 14.5 miles on US-302 through Crawford Notch, and the trailhead will be on your right.

Ethan Pond - Ripley Falls Trailhead: From Interstate 95, take Exit 35 for US-3 N, just north of Franconia Notch. Take US-3 10.4 miles to Twin Mountain, then turn right to head East on US-302 towards Crawford Notch. Continue 12.6 miles on US-302 through Crawford Notch State Park, then turn right onto Wiley House Station Road. Continue 0.1 miles up the road to the Wiley Station Road Parking lot, where the Ethan Pond - Ripley Fall Trailhead is located.

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